A STRONGER case is needed to get Government cash for rail improvements on Teesside - including the Tees Valley Metro - says a Government minister.

Redcar MP Ian Swales has called for more investment in the area’s rail services.

In a House of Commons debate in Westminster Hall, the Liberal Democrat, said it was vital the area’s rail infrastructure was improved if the region was to be restored to the economic hub it once was.

And he today said he planned to have a meeting with Transport Minister Norman Baker to further press the case for investment in the area.

The previous Government earmarked more than £30m to help pave the way for a Tees Valley Metro. But just £5m was allocated before cash was withdrawn as part of the spending cuts. Mr Swales said the existing core passenger network should be the first target for a Tees Valley Metro.

“A frequent light rail service operating in the core area would help to change the economic fortunes of Tees Valley,” said Mr Swales,

He added continuing new infrastructure was needed for residents and businesses. Investment in existing stations is also vital, as was establishing a proper link to the airport, he claimed.

Transport Minister Mike Penning said Tees Valley Unlimited, the regeneration partnership which applied for the Metro cash, was not successful in the first round of bidding for the Regional Growth Fund because it needed to be better at proving what the economic benefits of the scheme.

He said: “They have met eight or nine times recently, and I urge them to have further meetings, because the key to funding plans is the community comes together, and that a proper business plan is drawn up to create the right climate for further investment in the area.”